Russian President Vladimir Putin held a press conference following the conclusion of the Africa-Russia summit held in St. Petersburg. Petersburg for two days. On Saturday afternoon, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a press conference to discuss a number of topics, including national security and global food security.
The press conference took place after the two-day Russia-Africa summit, which brought together leaders from nearly six countries. However, the focus of Putin’s meeting with journalists was on the ongoing conflict with the West over Ukraine.
Moscow is preparing for all scenarios with NATO. In addition to the conflict in Ukraine, there have been several incidents involving Russian and American aircraft over Syrian skies this month, with each side accusing the other of irresponsible behavior. Putin said Russia does not want a direct armed conflict with the West, but is preparing for the worst case scenario. “If anyone wants this and it’s not us – then we’re ready for it”, he said.
Putin Does Not Lead Operation in Ukraine, Putin said that, as the Kremlin’s top commander, he receives regular information on the situation on the border and talks with his generals on a daily basis. He also said he could contact “special units” if needed. Putin said it would be “safe” for the president to intervene in the military and lead the troops.
Kiev is facing a staff shortage.
Putin said, adding that during the prisoner exchange, Russian authorities learned that Ukraine had “formed military units” consisting of “aircraft technicians”. “This means that their mobility is becoming unnecessary”, he said.
Putin previously said Kiev’s forces had lost “thousands” of Western-made tanks, as well as “leopard 2 tanks” and “Bradley infantry fighting vehicles” supplied by the US. Putin also said Russia would strengthen security around the Crimean Bridge.
The bridge connects the peninsula to mainland Russia, following Ukraine’s attack on the bridge this month. Putin said Russia would retaliate by attacking the sites that produced and delivered the military drones that targeted the bridge.
Russia is seen as a major player in the global food supply, with more than 20% of grain originating from Russia compared to less than 5% from Ukraine, according to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ukraine’s mobilization efforts resulted in a decline in grain exports, and Russia has since refused to renew an agreement for 2022 to facilitate the delivery of food and fertilizer from Ukraine. Since then, Putin has accused Western countries of not fulfilling their part of the agreement. Putin also noted that EU countries continue to block Russia from sending fertilizer to developing countries.
He said that Russia was willing to provide free fertilizers to these countries, but that no one had given an explanation of how this happened. Putin indicated that last year, 300,000 tons of fertilizer were blocked from European ports.
Source: President Vladimir Putin during a meeting in Strelna, Russia on 29 July 2023. Copyright – Aleksandr Kazakov ⁇ Sputnik This is a list of people who have been arrested in Russia.
Source: Russian President Vladimir Putin and participants of the Russia-Africa summit pose for a photo in St. Petersburg, Russia, July 28, 2023. (Reuters photo)
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